Nigeria’s visa and immigration payment process can be complex. This complete guide provides expert tips on how to pay for visa and immigration fees online securely and correctly.
Paying online is the official, streamlined method mandated by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS). It eliminates bank queues and reduces processing errors, making your application faster.
We will walk you through the proven methods, official platforms like the NIS e-Services portal, and crucial steps to avoid common pitfalls. This guide is tailored for Nigerian applicants dealing with local procedures.
Requirements / What You Need
Before initiating any online payment for your visa or immigration service in Nigeria, ensure you have the following ready. Proper preparation prevents payment failures and delays.
- A Valid Email Address: This is your primary communication channel. All payment confirmations and application updates will be sent here. Use a reliable address you check often.
- Application ID/Reference Number: This is generated on the NIS e-Services portal after you start your application. You cannot pay without it.
- Means of Online Payment: A Nigerian debit card (Mastercard, Visa, or Verve) enabled for online transactions. Some banks also allow payment via their internet banking platforms directly on the portal.
- Correct Fee Amount: Know the exact fee. For example, a Standard 5-year Nigerian passport is ₦87,000 for adults, while a Visa on Arrival fee is $253 USD (payable in Naira equivalent). Always confirm current rates on the official portal to avoid underpayment.
- Stable Internet Connection: Payment timeouts are common. If your home network is unstable, consider a reputable cyber café. Ensure they use a secure connection before entering your card details.
A key point Nigerians often misunderstand is that the Application ID is different from a Payment Reference. You get the Application ID first to initiate payment; a Payment Reference (RRR) is generated after you select your payment method. Keep records of both.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Access the Official NIS e-Services Portal Begin by visiting the official Nigeria Immigration Service website (immigration.gov.ng) and click on “E-Services.” This is the only authorized platform for most payments. Be wary of third-party sites claiming to offer “fast-track” services, as they are often scams.
Step 2: Create an Account or Log In If you are a new user, click “Create Account” and provide your details, including your active Nigerian phone number for OTP verification. If you already have an account, simply log in. Ensure your browser allows pop-ups, as the payment gateway opens in a new window.
Step 3: Select Your Service and Generate Application ID From your dashboard, select the service you need (e.g., “Passport Application,” “Visa Processing”). Fill in the required forms accurately. Upon submission, the system will generate a unique Application ID and display the exact fee in Naira. Double-check all personal details here; corrections after payment are difficult.
Step 4: Initiate Payment and Get Your RRR Click the “Proceed to Payment” button. You will be redirected to choose a payment method (card or bank). Once selected, the system generates a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) Number. This is your payment key. Copy and save it immediately, as you will need it for verification.
Step 5: Complete the Payment on Remita You will be taken to the secure Remita payment gateway. Enter your debit card details or log in via your bank’s internet banking option. A common issue is transaction timeout due to network issues or bank delays. If this happens, wait 30 minutes and use the “Continue Payment” option on the portal with your RRR.
Step 6: Verify and Print Your Payment Receipt After a successful payment, you will see a confirmation screen and receive an email. Do not log out immediately. Return to your NIS portal dashboard and click “Verify Payment” or check your payment status. Only when it shows “Payment Successful” should you download and print the official receipt. This receipt is mandatory for your biometrics capture appointment.
Alternative Methods
While the online portal is the primary method, there are alternative pathways to pay for visa and immigration fees in Nigeria, useful in specific scenarios.
For applicants who are not tech-savvy or face persistent online payment failures, visiting a physical Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) office is an option. States like Lagos (Ikoyi), Abuja, and Rivers have major offices where you can get assistance to generate your RRR and make payment at an accredited bank on the premises. This is better if you need in-person guidance.
Some tertiary institutions and large corporate organizations have dedicated liaison officers or special arrangements with the NIS for processing student visas or expatriate quotas. If you are applying through your university (e.g., University of Lagos, UNN) or employer, check if they have a streamlined internal process for fee collection and remittance.
Finally, for certain specialized applications like the ECOWAS Travel Certificate, payments may still be made directly at designated NIS offices. Always verify the current procedure for your specific service on the official NIS website before assuming an alternative is available.
Common Problems and Solutions
Problem: “Payment Not Verified” on Portal After Successful Debit
This is a frequent and stressful issue where your bank account is debited, but the NIS portal still shows “Payment Pending.” It often happens due to a delay in the Remita to NIS system reconciliation, especially during peak periods like weekends.
Solution: Do not panic or attempt to pay again. First, wait for at least 24-48 hours for the systems to sync. If the status remains unchanged, gather your proof of payment (bank alert and RRR number) and visit the NIS office where you intend to complete your biometrics. They have an internal portal to manually confirm and update your payment status.
Problem: Portal Error or Website is Down During Application
The NIS e-Services portal can be slow or temporarily inaccessible, particularly in the evenings or on month-ends when many people are applying.
Solution: The best approach is to try accessing the portal during off-peak hours, such as early mornings (7 AM – 10 AM) on weekdays. Clear your browser cache or try using a different browser like Chrome. If the site is completely down, check the official NIS social media pages (Facebook/Twitter) for maintenance announcements.
Problem: Entered Wrong Personal Details Before Payment
Mistakes in names, dates of birth, or passport numbers are common and can invalidate your entire application after payment, as these details are difficult to change.
Solution: Before clicking “Proceed to Payment,” review every field meticulously. If you spot an error after generating an Application ID but before payment, you can usually abandon that application and start a fresh one. However, if payment has already been made, you must immediately contact the NIS helpdesk via email (provided on the portal) and visit their office with supporting documents (like a birth certificate) for correction, which may involve an administrative fee.
Fees, Costs and Timeline
Understanding the official fee structure is crucial to avoid being overcharged. All payments are made in Nigerian Naira (₦) on the NIS portal. For example, a standard 32-page 5-year passport costs ₦87,000, while a 64-page 10-year passport is ₦127,000. Visa fees vary; a Tourist Visa might be ₦85,000, and the Visa on Arrival fee is typically $253 USD, converted to Naira at the official Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rate on the payment date.
Be wary of agents or touts at cyber cafés or around immigration offices who inflate these prices for “expedited service.” The only official extra cost is a ₦2,000 bank charge for the online transaction. There are no state variations in the base fees.
After successful online payment, the standard processing timeline is 2 to 3 weeks before you are invited for biometrics capture. The entire process, from application to passport collection, can take 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the workload at your chosen NIS office.
Warnings and Scams to Avoid
- Fake Portals and Agents: Only use the official immigration.gov.ng website. Scammers create look-alike sites to steal payment details. Never share your Application ID, RRR, or debit card PIN with anyone claiming to be an “NIS agent” who can “fast-track” your process for an extra fee.
- WhatsApp and Social Media Offers: Be extremely cautious of unsolicited messages on WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram offering guaranteed visas or passports for a fee. The Nigeria Immigration Service does not conduct official business or receive payments through these channels.
- Overcharging at Cyber Cafés: While using a cyber café is common, insist on watching the attendant use the official portal. Some inflate the official fee and pocket the difference. Know the exact fee beforehand and request to see the payment confirmation screen directly.
- Requests for “Under-the-Table” Payment: Any NIS officer or intermediary who asks for cash payment outside the Remita platform is acting illegally. All genuine fees are paid online and generate a government receipt. Report such requests through official NIS channels.
Acceptance, Use and Next Steps
Your printed payment receipt from the NIS portal is the official proof of payment accepted at all Nigeria Immigration Service offices nationwide. You must present it, alongside other required documents, for your scheduled biometrics capture and interview. It is also your valid proof if you need to follow up on your application at the State Command or the Service Headquarters in Abuja.
The immediate next step is to log back into your NIS e-Services portal dashboard. After payment verification, the system will typically update with an option to book an appointment for your biometrics at your chosen NIS office. Select an available date and time, print the appointment slip, and prepare your original documents (like birth certificate, guarantor’s form, and old passport if applicable).
A key limitation to understand is that the online payment receipt is not a travel document. You cannot use it to board a flight or cross borders. It is solely for the internal processing of your application. The final step is to attend your appointment, after which you will be notified when your passport or visa is ready for collection at the same office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for my Nigerian visa or passport at the bank?
No, you cannot make the initial payment directly at a bank counter. The process is fully online via the NIS e-Services portal. However, after generating your Remita RRR online, you have the option to select “Pay at Bank” and take the RRR to any commercial bank branch in Nigeria to complete the payment over the counter, which is useful if you are not comfortable with online cards.
What should I do if my payment fails but my account is debited?
First, wait 24 hours as it may be a delayed system update. If the debit is not reversed and your portal status remains ‘pending’, contact your bank with the transaction reference to initiate a trace. Simultaneously, report the issue to the NIS helpdesk (helpdesk@immigration.gov.ng) with your RRR and bank proof. Do not make a duplicate payment.
How long is the online payment receipt valid for?
The payment receipt does not have a strict expiration date, but it is linked to an active application. You are expected to book and attend your biometrics appointment within a reasonable timeframe, typically a few months. If you delay for too long (e.g., over 6 months), your application may be deemed abandoned, and you might need to restart the process.
Can I use someone else’s debit card to pay for my visa fee?
Yes, you can use a third-party debit card (from a spouse, family member, or friend) to make the payment on the Remita platform. The system does not validate the cardholder’s name against the applicant’s name. The critical requirement is that the card is enabled for online transactions and has sufficient funds.
Why is the portal asking for a TIN (Tax Identification Number)?
For certain services, especially those for expatriates or corporate applications, the system may require a TIN as part of the process, in line with FIRS regulations. For standard individual applications like a new passport, a TIN is generally not required. If prompted unexpectedly, ensure you have selected the correct service type.
Is it safe to do this process at a cyber café?
It can be safe if you take precautions. Choose a reputable café, personally type in all sensitive information (especially your card PIN), and ensure you log out completely from the NIS portal and your email after finishing. Never let the attendant take a photo of your receipt or payment confirmation screen containing your personal details.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available procedures from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). Immigration policies and fees are subject to change. We are not affiliated with the NIS or the Nigerian government. Always confirm the latest requirements and official fees directly on the Nigeria Immigration Service website (https://immigration.gov.ng/) before proceeding with any application or payment.